2019 World Cup finalist Scotland edged the 2023 World Cup-bound Philippines, 2-1, to score their first win in the 2023 Piñatar Cup yesterday in Piñatar, Spain.

The world number 25 opened their account in the 39th minute, breaking the Filipinas’ iron-clad defense with a lightning fast strike from 21-year-old winger Lauren Davidson from the top right of the penalty box for her first international goal in just her second cap.

Scotland scored the insurance goal in the 56th minute, with team captain Rachel Corsie tapping the ball in from Caroline Weir’s inswing from a left corner kick.

It was Corsie’s 20th international goal in 139 caps.

Unlike their previous game against Wales, the Filipinas started stronger in the game with their usual starting eleven, except for Alicia Barker starting in place of usual right back Eva Madarang.

The lineup returned to top form as central midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki, one of the most valuable pieces of the Filipinas’ Southeast Asian campaigns, re-joined the team after a seven-month absence due to injury.

She, however, was immediately subbed in the second half by newcomer Reinna Bonta.

The Filipinas had several chances but their starting forwards Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou collected two early charging fouls.

Through passes from Guillou to a running Bolden, and Tahnai Annis to a running Guillou went awry as both were saved by goalkeeper Jenna Fife.

Guillou and Quinley Quezada added to the Filipinas’ frustration on their attacks with two offsides in the first half.

The Filipinas, though, managed to score their first goal for the year—and their first in a European tournament—as substitute Meryll Serrano sank a direct free kick from the top of the box, past the Scottish wall and Fife, in the 90th minute.

It was the second goal in five international caps for the Norway-based Toppserien standout.

However, the Filipinas could not salvage a draw in the two added minutes as Scotland with the win and a chance to get the Piñatar Cup with a win against Wales and an Iceland loss against the Filipinas on Wednesday.

Scotland had a one-draw, two-loss card in their lone World Cup appearance in 2019, losing in a similar 1-2 score versus England and Japan and drawing 3-3 versus Argentina.

They are not the toughest opponent though for the Philippines outside the Asian zone, as the Filipinas aim to get a consolation win against world number 16 Iceland, who came off a scoreless draw against Wales in the second game.

Tahnai Annis, team captain of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, said that the late goal is an indication of their effort and resilience. “We fought all the way until the end, and we’re able to get that late goal.”

Their latest performance in the Piñatar Cup has given the Filipinas a boost. As Tahnai declared, “Having a lot of takeaways from each game that we play will help us in the World Cup.

“I think we can continue to progress from that, going into the Iceland match in a few days.”

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